Suction drain-induced haemorrhage after nerve- and vessel-sparing axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer

Suction drainage following axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer is generally accepted as a routine measure for reducing seroma formation. When performing more nerve- and vessel-sparing axillary lymph node dissection, nerves and vessels can be ruptured by the suction of the drainage system. In the literature no reports could be found describing this type of complication. When using a suction system, we recommend a low-pressure system and that the fully perforated drain should not reach or touch neighbouring vessels or nerves in the axilla when installed.